Pesticide used on oats known to harm development, fetal growth and harming reproductive health later in life. 

Asheville, N.C. – Aug. 25, 2025 – A new investigation by Moms Across America has found disturbing levels of a banned pesticide, chlormequat, in some of the most popular children’s cereals sold in the United States.

Given this disturbing finding, Moms Across America is calling on the administration to revise the recently leaked draft of MAHA Commission strategy report, which falls short in calling for increased policy enforcement to reduce exposure of harmful pesticides to our children and American families. 

The findings raise serious concerns about food safety, particularly for children, and call into question the effectiveness of regulatory oversight by the Food and Drug Administration.

Chlormequat, which has been linked to infertility, cancer, and developmental harm, was detected in 11 out of 14 cereal samples tested. The highest level—134.16 parts per billion—was found in General Mills’ Honey Nut Cheerios. It is not permitted for use on food crops in the U.S., and it was illegal for any imported grains to contain detectable levels of it until 2018. 

Key findings include:

• A majority of children’s cereals tested positive for chlormequat, a pesticide banned for use on food crops in the U.S.

• The chemical has been associated with infertility, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and organ damage.

• Two samples also tested positive for diquat and paraquat, pesticides banned abroad but still permitted in the United States.

• Regulatory loopholes and relaxed trade agreements are enabling the entry of food products containing banned substances into the U.S. market.

Chlormequat is known to disrupt fetal development, impair liver and kidney function, and increase the risk of reproductive harm and chronic disease. Despite these risks, the Environmental Protection Agency currently allows the importation of grains treated with chlormequat.

In response, Moms Across America is urging immediate action from several stakeholders:

To food manufacturers:

• Implement batch testing of all ingredients and final products for pesticide residues before wholesale distribution.

To the FDA:

• Strengthen pesticide regulations and move toward banning the 86 chemicals prohibited in other countries but still allowed in U.S. agriculture.

• Mandate labeling of all ingredients and known contaminants.

To the Trump administration:

• Restrict the import of products that contain pesticide residues banned in the U.S.

• Enforce pre-entry testing through the use of tariffs and regulatory oversight.

To U.S. citizens:

• Sign the organization’s petition and choose certified organic foods when possible to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals.

For more information or to view the full test results, visit www.momsacrossamerica.com.

About Moms Across America
Moms Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and empowering mothers and communities with actions and solutions to create healthy environments for families.

Quickly Reduce Your Child’s Symptoms of Autism by Eliminating 7 Foods Most People Consume Daily!

The first crucial step of autism recovery is to begin restoring health to the gut and the immune system.

The health of the gut is directly linked to the health of the brain and therefore to the symptoms of autism. In fact, 80% of the immune system comes from the gut so if the gut is not healthy, then the brain can’t thrive, and the immune system is compromised. It’s a vicious cycle, but thankfully, it’s one that we can put an end to by first eliminating harmful foods.

• Harmful Foods: Identify the foods that worsen autism symptoms and understand the science behind their impact.
• Smart Food Choices: Learn about easy dietary swaps that can significantly enhance sleep, clarity of thought, and emotional well-being.
• Practical Implementation: Get valuable tips on how to implement these dietary changes easily and effectively.

This is for informational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or treat. Every child’s level of recovery is different. No two people are the same. It is never implied that all children will have the same outcome. Results are all based on individual biology and the work that is done. This process takes time and various steps, effort and resources need to be weighed. Our programs are intended to help you become more knowledgeable and guide you to help bring your child a better quality of life, whatever that may be. We want to help by giving great content, direction and strategies that move you forward. Nothing on this page or any of our websites is a promise or guarantee of results or future outcomes. The results on this page and any of our websites are not typical or promised. In fact, there will be people who purchase this and other programs and never put the work into implementing the strategies taught and therefore will achieve little to no results. Our more detailed earnings disclaimer, privacy policy, and terms and conditions for this program and website can be accessed via the links below. We hold ourselves (and you) to a high standard of integrity. We are cheering you on every step of the way.